Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force conducted maintenance on a B-1B Lancer in preparation for airstrikes against Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure as part of Operation Epic Fury. This operation reflects the Trump Doctrine's focus on short-duration military campaigns without plans for occupation, emphasizing disruption of hostile regimes rather than political reconstruction. The maintenance activities included checks on actuators and the removal of horizontal stabilizers for the first time at the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Technology Center.

Houthi rebels are likely to attempt further attacks on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers using asymmetric tactics, particularly in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The U.S. Navy has faced significant challenges in defending against these tactics, which have included the use of loitering munitions and anti-ship missiles. The USS George H.W. Bush is being deployed to the region in anticipation of renewed Houthi aggression.

The S-400 air defense system, operational since 2007, has been deployed in Syria and Ukraine, demonstrating both its capabilities and vulnerabilities. India utilized the S-400 during its 2025 conflict with Pakistan, while Turkey's acquisition has caused significant geopolitical tensions, leading to its removal from the F-35 program. The S-500 is expected to replace the S-400 but faces production delays due to ongoing conflicts.

The F-117 Nighthawk is currently serving as a Red Team aggressor at the Tonopah Test Range, simulating threats from Russian and Chinese advanced fighter jets. It will remain operational until at least 2034, training pilots for the F-22 and F-35. The aircraft is also being utilized to test new technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, while stationed at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bombers conducted strikes on Iranian ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control positions during the opening phase of Operation Epic Fury. The strikes targeted missile infrastructure and command nodes identified as operational threats. This operation involved multiple U.S. bomber aircraft, including the B-1 and B-2, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the strikes against Iranian military capabilities.

The U.S. Navy faces a significant decline in its fleet of 53 attack submarines, particularly the aging Los Angeles-class, as it struggles to replace them with Virginia-class submarines. The Navy is considering extending the service life of some Los Angeles-class submarines or converting them into drone motherships to maintain undersea combat power amid rising competition from China's expanding submarine fleet.

Iran launched a new round of ballistic missiles, as reported by the Israeli Defense Forces. Air defense alarms are anticipated to sound in central Israel shortly after the launch.

Ukrainian forces disrupted the Russian military's Spring-Summer 2026 offensive in early March, particularly in the Donbas region. Russia has intensified long-range strike operations against Ukrainian infrastructure, utilizing over 400 drones and missiles. Concurrently, hybrid warfare tactics have escalated across Eastern Europe, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns targeting NATO cohesion. The situation reflects a significant strain on Russian military capabilities and a shift in operational priorities.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army canceled the M10 Booker combat vehicle in 2025 due to its increased weight and failure to meet deployment requirements. The Army is now focusing on the M1E3 Abrams tank, reflecting a shift in military procurement strategies to adapt to modern warfare demands. This decision underscores the challenges of developing advanced military platforms in a rapidly evolving battlefield environment.

Iran launched a multi-front assault on Gulf states from March 1-4, 2026, targeting critical infrastructure and military assets. Qatar intercepted 98 of 101 ballistic missiles, while the UAE faced over 800 threats, including 1,072 drone strikes. Saudi Arabia's air defenses successfully intercepted Iranian drones aimed at the Ras Tanura oil refinery. The Gulf Cooperation Council nations are actively engaged in defensive operations, showcasing their enhanced military capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 25th round of military operations named 'Real Commitment 4' on the 7th, conducting drone and missile strikes against U.S. and Israeli military targets. The operation utilized Fateh and Imad missiles, targeting military support centers.

On March 7, the Israel Defense Forces reported that Iran launched missiles towards Jerusalem and within Israel. In response, Israel's air defense systems were fully activated, and air raid sirens were triggered in Jerusalem and several regions of Israel.

The U.S. Department of War approved a $53 million contract modification for Lockheed Martin to enhance production of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) in Orlando, Florida. This modification aims to expand manufacturing capacity to meet operational requirements across multiple combat platforms. The contract is expected to be completed by November 29, 2028.

The U.S. approved a $151.8 million Foreign Military Sale to Israel on March 6, 2023, for 12,000 BLU-110A/B munitions and related support services. This decision was made under an emergency determination, allowing the sale to proceed without the standard congressional review. The approval aims to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities amid ongoing military operations against Iranian forces in the region.

The U.S. Army conducted a field demonstration of the SlingWorks drone strike system at the Yuma Proving Ground during the CDF CFWE 26 exercise. The system was tested for its ability to deliver targeting data and precision strike capabilities, utilizing existing Army networks. The demonstration included the integration of the SkyStriker loitering munition, enhancing the Army's precision fires capability.

Kazakhstan has initiated serial production of the Barys 6×6 armored combat vehicle at the Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering facility. This vehicle, designed for military and security operations, is a localized version of the South African Mbombe 6 platform. It incorporates advanced Mine Resistant Ambush Protected technology to enhance crew safety against explosive threats. The production underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to developing its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on March 7, deploying over 80 aircraft to target military facilities in Tehran and central Iran. The strikes aimed at missile storage sites, command centers, and included an attack on Imam Hussein University, a key military academy for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Hundreds of military personnel were present at the time of the strikes.

On March 4, 2026, President Putin authorized a significant expansion of the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel, including 1,502,640 military personnel. This expansion coincided with a slowdown in Russian territorial advances in Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces liberated 244 square kilometers. The disruption of Russian access to Starlink satellite communications has degraded their operational capabilities, while Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian military infrastructure. Additionally, Russia's military is adapting its tactics and expanding its capabilities, posing new challenges for NATO.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Gulf Cooperation Council states intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones in March 2026, demonstrating significant advancements in air defense capabilities. Qatar reported intercepting 98 of 101 ballistic missiles, while the UAE neutralized over 800 threats. This military response follows the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and reflects a decade-long transformation in regional defense strategies, emphasizing indigenous capabilities and industrialization.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

On January 30, 2026, Japan and South Korea reached a historic agreement in Seoul to enhance defense cooperation, resuming joint maritime search and rescue exercises and establishing a framework for collaboration in AI and unmanned weapon systems. This agreement marks a significant shift in military relations, addressing regional security challenges posed by North Korea and reflecting a commitment to ongoing military collaboration.

Tanaka TakashiSat Mar 07 2026Loading...